SVMR: Smart Versatile Medication Robot
In 2565 B.E., 泰國's elderly, comprising 18.3% of the population at 12,116,199, faced health challenges, with diabetes, cerebrovascular disease, arthritis, and lung cancer prevalent. Caregiving hurdles arose as many family members worked outside, impacting the care of elderly individuals with these conditions. To address this, the "SVMR Medication Reminder and Care Robot for the Elderly" was developed. Known as the Smart Versatile Medication Robot (SVMR) or "New Robot," it serves as a user-friendly solution for home-based elderly care. Recognizing the adverse effects of missed medication on health, the SVMR system, combining hardware (New Robot) and software (Application), aimed to alleviate caregiving burdens. The New Robot's hardware includes a customizable medication reminder system, a video call system, closed-circuit camera system, doctor's recommendation display system, and an SOS system for emergency assistance. The Application complements this with features like medication schedule setting, video call communication, activity tracking, daily schedule management, and live camera monitoring. During the SVMR prototype trial, one unit was tested, with developers' relatives trying the medication dispensing system. Positive results emerged, showcasing improved medication adherence among the elderly and affording caregivers more time for other responsibilities. Satisfaction levels, as assessed through interviews, were notably high. Elderly feedback suggested the need for additional compartments for different medications and enhanced notification methods, particularly when they were not in proximity to the medication cabinet. In essence, the SVMR system provides a comprehensive solution to the challenges faced by households with elderly members, ensuring better disease management, increased medication adherence, and support for caregivers, all within a concise and user-friendly framework.
Quantitative environmental DNA metabarcoding for the enumeration of Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.)
Understanding species abundance is critical to managing and conserving planetary biodiversity. Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) are keystone species of cultural, economic, and ecological importance in Alaska and especially Southwest Alaska. Traditional methods of enumerating salmon such as weirs and visual surveys are often costly, time-intensive, and reliant on taxonomic expertise. Environmental DNA (eDNA), which identifies and quantifies species based on DNA they shed in their habitats, is a potential cost- and time- saving alternative. The relative ease of collecting eDNA samples also enables citizen scientist involvement, expanding research coverage. Currently, more research is required to define eDNA’s potential and limits. This project investigates whether quantitative eDNA metabarcoding can accurately quantify the abundances of six fish species: the five Pacific salmon species plus rainbow trout. Water samples were collected from eight creeks in the Wood River watershed of Southwest Alaska. eDNA metabarcoding and subsequent bioinformatics processing produced a read count for each species. These were compared to visual survey counts, taken to be the true counts for the purposes of this study. Data analyses showed a positive, linear relationship between visual survey count and eDNA count for sockeye salmon. The regressions were significant for both the early (p = 0.089) and late (p = 0.030) sampling dates when 𝛼 = 0.10. eDNA detections of non-sockeye species generally corresponded to visual survey observations of species presence or absence. Overall, the results of this study support eDNA’s potential to be an alternative or supplement to standard methods for the enumeration of fish species.
Desert to Fertile Land: Developing TEPA‐modified montmorillonite clay as an efficient CO2 adsorbent to enhance soil fertility
Global warming is a phenomenon in which the Earth's overall temperature rises as a result of increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Among the major greenhouse gases, carbon dioxide (CO2) is the primary greenhouse gas that contributes significantly to global warming [1,2]. The concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is rising due to human activities such as burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas), as well as changes in land use and vegetation [3]. Carbon dioxide and other gases, such as methane and nitrogen monoxide absorb infrared radiation and redirect it back to Earth, warming the planet [4]. This rise in temperature can impact ecosystems, climate, water resources, agriculture, public health, and societies in general [5]. To combat global warming and reduce carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere, many countries around the world, including Saudi Arabia, are working to achieve a vision to reduce carbon emissions by reducing their carbon emissions by 278 million tons per year by 2030 in line with the Paris Agreement, for climate. The Kingdom is committed to generating 50% of its electrical energy from renewable sources by 2030. In addition to the shift in the local energy mix, the Saudi Green Initiative is implementing a number of ambitious programs and projects to reduce emissions. These programs include investing in new energy sources, promoting energy efficiency, and expanding carbon capture and storage programs [6]. Through these initiatives, the Kingdom will be able to achieve its climate goals and establish a sustainable future (Figure 1). In addition, the Paris Climate Change Agreement includes 196 countries and the European Union, covering most of the world. This agreement aims to achieve carbon neutrality by taking measures to reduce carbon dioxide emissions [7].
In Silico Carotenoid Compound with Protein in Durian (Durio zibethinus Murr.) Seed Waste and Hedonic Test Innovation in Making Healthy Cereal Organic (HCO) (Nutrient-rich Functional Food Alternative)
Durians’ seeds have potential as a food source due to their content and nutrients. Durians’ seeds contain fiber, minerals, vitamins A, B1, B2, C, carbohydrates, folate, potassium and copper. Nutrients are needed for the body's health and growth and development process. Durians’ seeds have the potential as a nutrient-rich food alternative. Researchers made an innovation in the form of cereal, Healthy Cereal Organic (HCO). Analysis of durians’ seed content through two stages. First, wet lab examination and second, in silico method. The wet lab examination shows the results that durians’ seeds contain 10.17 Kcal of fat energy, 4.09% ash content, 11.25% water content, 72.79% carbohydrates, 1.13% total fat and 10.74% protein and the in silico method shows the content of carotenoid compounds (vitamin A, quercetin, beta-carotene, zeaxanthin) as a drug delivery system which means that this compound is able to be absorbed by the body with the help of albumin as a carrier that maintains stability and increases its activity. Feasibility analysis based on toxicity tests, Durians’ seed compounds show inactive (non-toxic) results. Allergenicity test showed non-allergen durians’ seed content. Hedonic test was conducted on 20 panelists dominant to the HCO1 sample for aroma by 60%, texture 90%, taste 40%. It can be concluded that durians’seeds can be used as a basic ingredient for making nutrient-rich Healthy Cereal Organic (HCO).